Bidirectional associations between accelerometer-based sleep metrics and mental health symptoms from childhood to late adolescence: data from a Brazilian birth cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A bidirectional relationship between sleep and emotional/behavioral problems has been suggested in the literature; however, no study has examined this association longitudinally across multiple developmental stages using objective sleep metrics. This study investigated the reciprocal relationship between sleep and emotional/behavioral symptoms and explored the potential existence of critical or sensitive periods within a Brazilian birth cohort.

Methods

The 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study recruited 4231 children (2196 boys) born in 2004 in Pelotas, Brazil. Emotional/behavioral problems were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at 6, 11, 15, and 18 years of age and analyzed as externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Sleep duration and

SUBMITTER: Carpena MX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12357341 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature